CASE STUDY

Chem-Bio Threat Detection Innovation Challenge

Advancing Technologies for Faster Detection. Smarter Response. Greater Resilience.

Chemical and biological threats are becoming more diverse, more sophisticated, and increasingly difficult to detect before they impact military operations, critical infrastructure, public health, or civilian populations. Emerging pathogens, engineered biological agents, toxic industrial chemicals, and novel chemical warfare agents demand faster detection, smarter analysis, and more resilient protective capabilities.

The Chem-Bio Threat Detection Innovation Challenge identified innovative technologies that strengthen detection, characterization, protection, and response across the full spectrum of chemical and biological threats. These scalable, dual-use solutions improve preparedness, accelerate operational decision-making, and enhance resilience across defense, homeland security, public health, and emergency response missions.

Ten (10) finalists presented their technology solutions live at Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit before government agencies, industry leaders, investors, and commercialization partners in September of 2026. Learn more about Challenge outcomes by downloading the case study below.

SOLUTION TOPICS

  • Biosurveillance and Agent-Agnostic Detection

  • Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics

  • Protective Materials and Decontamination

  • Integrated Detection, Sensors, and Situational Awareness

  • Synthetic Biology, Biosecurity, and Biomanufacturing

Timeline

  • Application Period: July 16 – August 12, 2026

  • Live Finalist Pitch: September 23 at Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit

  • Long-Term Engagement: Innovator tracking and KPI monitoring through 2028

REVIEW PANELISTS

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Dr. Deborah Hemingway

Managing Partner, Ecphora Capital

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Jay Reckard

President, Reckard Consulting

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Dr. Mike Stebbins

Sr. Vice President, Medical and Threat Countermeasures Division, Advanced Technology International (ATI)

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Brannan Villee

Division Director, S&T Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

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Justin Yang

Co-Founder, DMV Bio

WINNERS

First Place

$25,000
PHC Global

SECOND PLACE

$15,000
Zeteo Tech

THIRD PLACE

$10,000
Probius

FINALISTS

  • Alakai Defense Systems
  • Ave Maria Biotech
  • CAS, a Division of the American Chemical Society
  • Claryx, Inc.
  • Guild Associates, Inc.
  • ReliOx Corporation
  • Skyplate Technology LLC

FINALIST BENEFITS

  • Full conference pass to Defense TechConnect Innovation Summit

  • Visibility before government, defense, industry, and investment leaders evaluating emerging chem-bio technologies

  • Eligibility for a $50,000 total prize pool

  • Opportunities to connect with organizations advancing national preparedness, biodefense, and chemical threat detection capabilities

  • Exposure to potential partners, customers, and commercialization pathways supporting dual-use technology adoption